Sheffield’s John Lewis building now Grade II listed
Historic England has listed Sheffield’s former John Lewis building, in Barker’s Pool, at Grade II on the National Heritage List for England.
The decision comes after the Council applied for a Certificate of Immunity of Listing for building.
Cllr Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, has since issued a statement: “The decision to list the former John Lewis building demonstrates the importance of the post-war heritage of Sheffield and recognises the significance of the Cole Brothers store and the work of the City Council in rebuilding Sheffield following the bombing of the city in the 1940s.
“Our purpose in applying for a Certificate of Immunity from Listing was not because we wanted to see it demolished, but to remove uncertainty over whether it might be spot listed at a later date. This now gives us a clear position with which we can move forward, and we welcome that.
“The building has deep emotional and social value to the many people who shopped or worked there over the years. Whilst there may be some conflicting opinions over its appearance and size, it is very positive that Historic England recognise its architectural merit and historic importance in the evolution of Twentieth Century department store design. It is another symbol of the progressive, forward-looking approach to development for which Sheffield is rightly renowned.
“There are already examples of new life being breathed into fantastic listed Twentieth Century buildings in Sheffield such as Park Hill and Kollider in the former Co-op department store at Castlegate.
“We have received a range of submissions of interest in Stage 1 of public consultation, with several parties wanting to retain and reimagine the building for new uses, and others showing a preference for demolition.
“A department store of this scale is unlikely in the current or future retail environment but we’re really excited to now work with bidders to find a way to repurpose the building in a way that will re-establish the property in its rightful place as a key attraction in the new city centre that is emerging around it.”
Leeds on shortlist to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023
Leeds is through to the final stage of the competition to host the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2023, on behalf of Ukraine.
The BBC has announced seven shortlisted places, of which Leeds is one, selected from 20 long-listed locations from across the UK.
Leeds City Council, which is leading the bid to host the iconic competition, promises a region-wide celebration with and for Ukraine and already has begun to engage the 5,000 strong Ukrainian community across Leeds and Yorkshire.
With preparations at an advanced stage for its landmark year of culture, LEEDS 2023, making the shortlist marks a major milestone for Leeds as they prepare to let culture loose.
Responding to the shortlist announcement, Councillor Jonathan Pryor – deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “This is fantastic news! I’d like to thank everyone who has put their time and energy into creating a compelling bid in a short space of time. People from our Ukrainian communities in Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield, businesses, partner organisations across Yorkshire – thank you to all who have given their support and helped us shape what we believe is a winning submission.
“The creative and hospitality sectors have been the most impacted from the pandemic and the effects are still being felt. Eurovision presents an opportunity for our local businesses and workers to reap the immediate benefits from delivering and supporting this major event. Longer-term, the global reach of the biggest song contest in the world will help in our goal to put Leeds and Yorkshire firmly on the international map as an inclusive tourist destination.
“We’re keeping the details of our entry tightly under wraps for now, as the competition heats up, but I can say that Eurovision in Leeds for Ukraine will be outstanding, a celebration of Ukraine, our city and the incredible Eurovision ability to bring everyone together.”
Tracy Brabin, the mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Leeds has been shortlisted to host Eurovision 2023 – it’s an amazing city, bursting at the seams with vibrant creativity and would shine given the chance to host this event. The whole West Yorkshire region is a beacon of culture – from Bradford’s City of Culture in 2025, to Kirklees Year of Music in 2023.
“Since the tragic events unfolded in Ukraine, we have opened our arms to offer solidarity, support and shelter to the people of Ukraine. And I hope that Leeds, and the whole of West Yorkshire, will be given the honour of hosting Eurovision in their name.”
Chair of LEEDS 2023, Gabby Logan, said: “Leeds is already dusting down its sequins in preparation for LEEDS 2023, our year-long celebration of culture, so we’d be honoured to host Eurovision during our special year.
“We are a city that has for centuries welcomed people from all over the globe with open arms; and in a region with one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the UK outside of London, the city stands ready and able to put on a dazzling show with our Ukrainian family. Together we will sing our hearts out and dance in the streets of Leeds and invite the world to join in!”
Olga Callaghan, chair of the Leeds Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, added: “It would be a wonderful privilege for Leeds to host Eurovision and a wonderful celebration of Yorkshire’s historic links with Ukraine. People across Leeds have already made our vibrant Ukrainian community feel at home and I am certain that they would throw their arms wide and welcome the rest of Europe to celebrate Ukraine and Eurovision next year. Let us all celebrate peace, friendship and Ukraine in Leeds during Eurovision 2023.”
Leeds’ own ‘Spice Girl’ Mel B endorsed her home-city’s bid: “I’d love to see Leeds as the venue for Eurovision. It’s a great city bursting with great people and fantastic character – the perfect backdrop for an iconic show like Eurovision.”
Two floors snapped up at newly completed Leeds building
Two major occupiers have taken up two floors at Opus North and Fiera Real Estate UK’s (FRE UK) newly completed building, 12 King Street, in the heart of the Leeds Business District.
A global financial services group is set to occupy the entire top floor (6,485 sq ft) on a 10 year lease, whilst UK based private equity firm Endless has signed a deal to occupy the ground floor (5,845 sq ft) on a 10 year lease. The two companies will each relocate their staff from their current locations in Leeds to take residence at 12 King Street – a landmark building which comprises 54,000 sq ft of Grade A space and features wide-reaching technology and energy-saving initiatives.
A significant £10m transformation of the building, which was completed in June 2022, includes a striking new facade, a complete replacement of the fifth and sixth floors, a state-of-the-art cycle spa, extensive roof terraces and the addition of a sky lounge which offers a unique communal space for occupants.
Sustainability and environmental considerations have also been at the forefront of the design of the redevelopment. The scheme has achieved a 14% reduction in carbon emissions, 29% less energy consumption for heating and cooling, and 42% less water consumption.
Ryan Unsworth, director at Opus North, said: “We are thrilled to secure our first two major occupiers who will be relocating their main offices in Leeds to 12 King Street. It’s a real testament to what is happening in the office market – occupiers are seeking the very best, most-inspiring, workspaces for their teams and clients, as well as demanding buildings with strong sustainability and environmental credentials.”
Chris Button, head of Value Add at FRE UK, added: “We are delighted to have secured two market-leading occupiers for this landmark building, which has been substantially remodelled and refurbished to achieve our ambition of delivering a cutting-edge office space that promotes wellbeing and a truly future-proofed building in one of the UK’s major regional markets.”
Nick Salkeld, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “We’re very proud to have acted on these two significant lettings marking a key milestone for both the building and Leeds office market. 12 King Street has set a new benchmark for its combined sustainability, wellbeing and digital connectivity features and it’s a true testament to welcome both businesses as our first occupants.”
There are five remaining floors ready for occupation, with Knight Frank and Fox Lloyd Jones acting as letting agents on the scheme.
Factory of the Future takes shape in Rotherham
The steel frame for the centrepiece of AESSEAL’s new Factory of the Future is now under construction at the company’s global headquarters in Rotherham.
The project, which includes the refurbishment and “greening” of AESSEAL’s existing plant as well as a state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq ft extension that will almost double the site capacity, brings the firm’s total investment in Rotherham to over £61 million.
Designed by Sheffield-based architects, Race Cottam Associates (RCA), the new building creates an advanced precision engineering factory together with office space, new entrance, statement reception and café. RCA is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for the building, which is designed to store its own energy and be all-electric.
“The initial concept was to provide a new manufacturing facility capable of supporting state-of-the-art robotic machines whilst simultaneously creating new workspace and a statement entrance for AESSEAL’s international clients and colleagues,” explains RCA’s architect and project lead, Mark Eden.
“In addition, part of the brief was to create an open plan production area that would not only allow for internal reconfigurations as the business grows but also significant viewing platforms for staff and visitors.
“Our design integrates AESSEAL’s original facility via a two storey, linked structure which incorporates the new entrance. Large areas of glazing ensure full exposure to the precision engineering manufacturing and world-leading robotics,” concludes Mark.
The wider project includes a significant investment in the latest environmental measures, including photovoltaic panels, advanced battery storage and the use of recycled products such as shredded car tyres to form the tarmac for the car park. Surrounding the 10-acre site, which was originally filled with steel slag, a ‘Tree Walk’ will act as an educational and environmental resource and will include a wetlands area and accommodation for bees, hedgehogs and other wildlife.
RCA’s partnership with AESSEAL dates back to 1996, when the practice was first appointed to design and deliver a new industrial and office complex. Chairman and co-founder, David Cottam said: “Initially we were asked to produce a sensitive design, not too strong or ostentatious, that could be built in phases to match business expansion. Since then, AESSEAL’s growth has been exponential and I’m exceptionally proud of what we have achieved together in almost three decades. I firmly believe what we’re creating now will be a true legacy building and showcase for AESSEAL’s success.”
Chris Rea, Managing Director of AESSEAL and the AES Engineering Group, adds: “I congratulate Dave Cottam and his team at Race Cottam Associates for going on this journey with us and producing a design that provides a showcase for industry and the environment working in harmony. The Factory of the Future is a symbol of our commitment to keep pushing beyond Net Zero and encourage our customers and suppliers to do the same, proving that it is possible to be a globally successful business and also take care of the planet.”
Construction began on AESSEAL’s new Factory of the Future in January and is expected to complete in May 2023.
Sheffield shortlisted to host Eurovision
Sheffield is one of seven cities, out of 20 who expressed interest, shortlisted as host for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
Eurovision organisers confirmed that the UK would host on behalf of Ukraine last month and Sheffield, in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, submitted a phase 1 bid to be host.
Sheffield has been shortlisted to apply for the next stage along with Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.
Cllr Martin Smith, economic development and skills policy committee chair, said: “It’s fantastic news that we have been shortlisted to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
“We’re working with our partners across the region on the next stage of the bidding process. It’s an exciting step closer in our collaboration on this, and we plan to work with our Ukrainian communities and partners, bringing cultures together in solidarity.
“We know that Sheffield can put on a fantastic show and deliver international events at the highest level. With support from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham we can bring communities and cultures together on a larger scale and really show Europe what we have here in South Yorkshire.
“As with all potential host cities, we are thinking carefully about the next steps and taking time to consider the details. We expect the bidding process to be complete in Autumn.”
South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Crack open the bucks fizz, Eurovision are making their minds up – and the only correct choice is Sheffield and South Yorkshire! I’ve previously said that Sheffield seemed the obvious choice to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, you’d have to be a spaceman not to.
“But I will say it again – we have the venues, the heritage, the track record and the passion that Eurovision deserves in such an important year for the contest, that would be held in solidarity with our friends and partners in Ukraine.”
New head of real estate at LCF Law
A real estate lawyer has been promoted to head a department at the law firm where she initially trained.
Harriet Thornton is skilled in all aspects of commercial property with a speciality in leasehold enfranchisement. Following her promotion, she will now head LCF Law’s 18-strong real estate department.
Harriet provides legal advice to clients on acquisitions, new developments, commercial leases and portfolio management. She works across all sectors but has a particular focus on the third sector, representing several well-known, large national charities.
Harriet, who is a member of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners, said: “I’m particularly proud of the work I have done growing the firm’s leasehold enfranchisement division, helping both landlords and tenants with lease extensions as well as purchases and sales of their freeholds. We created a fixed fee staged costs model so when dealing with collective enfranchisements for blocks of apartments, every leaseholder knows exactly where they stand.
“Working with developers on projects across Leeds, London, Manchester and Harrogate is also particularly rewarding, as I get to assist them at every stage of the project, from site acquisition through to setting up the estate development and subsequent plot sales. I also help developers with purchase and development finance and always take a proactive approach to every project.”
Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: “Harriet is a very capable and dependable lawyer who is well-liked by clients and colleagues. Having won and been shortlisted for several industry awards over the years, she has carved out an impressive career, built an enviable client list and led the way in providing first rate services that exceed clients’ expectations.”
Grimsby welcomes first LNG/battery powered vessel loaded with cars
The first deep sea car carrier powered by a multi-fuel liquefied natural gas/battery hybrid engine to arrive at the Grimsby River Terminal has brought in a cargo of Kia vehicles.
MV Auto Achieve, owned by United European Car Carriers, was built this year at the Jiangnan Shipyard, China, and is the second pure car and truck carriers vessel in its sustainable fleet. It is also the first Eukor vessel to come to the GRT, as these deep-sea carriers usually berth at the Port of Immingham’s Humber International Terminal.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber Ports said: “This is a great opportunity to see how sustainable vessels can be and LNG fuelled ones are growing in popularity. We expect to see more of them in our ports as operators look to lower their carbon footprint.”
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Ltd. said: “At Kia our vision is to become a truly sustainable, responsible and innovative mobility solutions leader, this is outlined in a clear and achievable strategy leading up to 2045 when we’ve committed to achieve carbon neutrality. Part of this plan focusses on collaboration with our supply chain partners to achieve lower emissions throughout our entire value chain. UECC’s MV Auto Achieve vessel is a great example of innovation to enhance emissions reduction and we’re proud to have our new electrified vehicles transported via one of the cleanest methods possible today.”
Daniel Gent, Energy and Sustainability Manager at UECC, added: “Auto Achieve is the greenest and most technologically-advanced car carrier built to date. Powered by a multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid system, our customers benefit from a carbon reduction up to 40% whilst transporting their cargo onboard.
“Additionally, the vessels unique design allows for improved air quality in the port and the local area. Grimsby is an important place that holds more than 30 years’ history for our organisation, and we are immensely proud to see our newest vessel here today.”
According to UECC, these multi-fuel engine vessels enable a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of around 25%, SOx and particulate matter by 90% and NOx by 85% from the use of LNG and are also adaptable for low-carbon fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels as these become available.
Works complete on new £2m waste and recycling centre at Tattershall
Construction work at Tattershall’s new household waste and recycling centre has now completed.
The project was procured through public sector procurement authority, SCAPE and its Regional Construction framework, with main contractor G F Tomlinson beginning work on site in December 2021.
Following a £2m investment from Lincolnshire County Council, the new facility has replaced an existing, privately-owned centre at Kirkby on Bain, which is now set to be decommissioned.
The new site, which has a larger capacity, will handle, sort and dispose of materials more efficiently than the previous centre. The facility accommodates four state-of-the-art waste compactors, which feed ten containers. These are able to hold three times the amount of waste than a standard open top compactor, helping to reduce haulage costs and make for a more sustainable transfer to the waste station, by transporting more waste per journey.
The facility will serve Horncastle and the surrounding area.
The project utilised local labour through G F Tomlinson’s supply chain including Newark-based D J Swallow Construction, who worked closely with G F Tomlinson to complete the ground works and concrete slabs, as well as Lincoln-based electrical contractor, Brooke & Mayo. This helped ensure that 78% of the spend on the project was with suppliers based within 40 miles of the site.
Craig Stopper, SCAPE Regional Construction Framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We were delighted to be appointed as main contractor partner on this development. In addition to providing the residents of Lincolnshire with quick and convenient access to a new recycling centre, the facility ensures materials are being disposed of correctly, reducing harmful impacts on the environment.
“We are very pleased to have completed this project working alongside Lincolnshire County Council under the SCAPE Regional Construction framework – it marks the fifth household waste recycling centre we have delivered for the Council to date, with others located in Boston, Gainsborough, Bourne and Sleaford.
“This scheme is another important public facility in the Lincolnshire area which will provide upgraded recycling services and reduce the impact on the environment within the wider community.”
Mark Robinson, group Chief Executive at SCAPE, added: “The new centre is an excellent example of how a scheme can deliver social and economic value and provide long-term benefits for the wider community. It has been developed to the highest standard whilst integrating sustainable facilities and achieving value for money.
“We are delighted to have worked with our partner G F Tomlinson to accelerate this project forward, and bring an essential waste and recycling centre to the local residents of Tattershall, Coningsby, and the surrounding areas.”
Mike Reed, head of waste at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Tattershall Household Waste Recycling Centre represents another significant project completed in partnership with G F Tomlinson using the SCAPE Regional Construction framework. The facility will provide a better environment for local residents to dispose of their material and will contribute to Lincolnshire’s circular economy aspirations.”
Morrisons recycles food waste to support egg production
Supermarket chain Morrisons has chosen 50 stores in Yorkshire to start selling carbon neutral eggs from hens fed on a soya-free diet of insects in turn fed on food waste from the supermarket’s bakery, fruit and vegetables.
This ‘circular waste’ feeding scheme, powered by Better Origin technology, reduces deforestation caused by soya production and negates the carbon emissions emitted from transporting this soya.
Insects are a natural part of bird’s diets and wild birds seek out insects as they forage. The insects are nutritious and rich in essential amino acids and healthy fats.
The farm where the first stock of Planet Friendly Eggs will come from also has a large wind turbine, 50kWh solar panels, and a carbon sequestration programme to offset any remaining emissions on the farm.
The eggs are set to be the first to feature a green version of the usually red British Lion egg stamp on its eggs to highlight their carbon neutral status.
They are initially available in 50 Yorkshire stores with a national rollout planned for 2023.
Morrisons has a commitment to be directly supplied by ‘zero emission’ British farms by 2030. Planet Friendly Eggs are the first step towards achieving this goal.
Morrisons has been working with farmers to create net zero carbon farm ‘models’ which look at neutralising emissions through whole lifecycles and farm footprints.
NFU food business relationships adviser Annabel James said: “We are pleased to see Morrisons working in partnership with farmers to establish working models which support farmers on their journey to net zero.”
Sheffield ‘businessman’ forced to pay £1m or face 14 years’ prison
A Sheffield businessman who headed a large-scale operation supplying thousands of counterfeit mobile phone parts throughout Europe and the UK has been ordered to pay more than one million pounds following the making of a Confiscation Order at Sheffield Crown Court.
Rong REN appeared at Sheffield Crown Court and was ordered by His Honour Judge KELSON QC to pay over the value of his available assets totalling £1,097,563.64 within three months or face a default prison sentence of 14 years.
Ren and his business 2028 W Ltd, located at Burton Street in Sheffield, came to the attention of Sheffield City Council’s Trading Standards team in early 2018. In August that year, Trading Standards investigators executed a warrant at Ren’s business premise and seized 80,000 mobile phone accessories. South Yorkshire Police officers also attended and assisted with the warrant.
In February 2020, REN was jailed for 12 months and banned from acting as a company director after pleading guilty to Trade Marks Act offences relating to the seized items.
The sentencing judge HHJ Jeremy Richardson QC remarked that “offences of this type materially undermine public trust in the legitimate brands and involve serious criminality. The public have essentially been duped by the defendant and legitimate businesses have been cheated of profit.”
Officers from the North East Regional Economic Crime Unit launched a separate investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 into the funds generated by REN’S criminality. Following extensive enquiries, they discovered that the value of his criminality was over £4.8 million and traced his available assets which will satisfy the Confiscation Order.
Ramona Senior, head of the North East Regional Economic Crime Unit said:“This result comes about as the result of a close working partnership between the RECU and Sheffield Trading Standards who successfully brought the criminal prosecution.
“The Proceeds of Crime Act is a powerful tool in tacking criminally derived assets and Op Lovat should serve as a warning to others engaged in criminal activity that you will be discovered and your assets will be confiscated.”
